On Konoha's outskirts, at the edge of the forest.
The night wind howled, sweeping up withered yellow leaves and sending them spiraling through the darkness.
Madara Uchiha stood in the middle of the clearing, his left eye socket empty, his right eye scarlet.
His gaze remained fixed on the blond young man opposite him-Minato Namikaze.
"Minato Namikaze..."
Madara's voice was low, laden with killing intent he could not suppress.
"You cost me an eye."
"Today, I'll make you lose everything."
Minato did not respond.
He tightened his grip on his Flying Thunder God Kunai, his gaze calm but carrying the same unquestionable resolve.
"Madara Uchiha, I will stop you."
"Stop me?"
Madara sneered.
"You? You and these..."
His gaze swept over the twenty-odd ninja behind Minato.
"Ants?"
No one answered his taunt.
The ninja's faces showed fear and tension, but more than anything, a determination to face death without flinching.
They knew the odds of surviving this battle were slim.
But they did not back down.
"Lord Hokage."
A low voice rang out from the crowd.
Might Duy stepped forward.
His green jumpsuit, washed almost white, fluttered slightly in the night wind. His thick eyebrows and large eyes stood out in the darkness.
"Duy?"
Minato turned to look at him.
"There's something I'd like to tell you."
Might Duy walked up to Minato and stopped.
He took a deep breath, then slowly spoke:
"Lord Hokage, you once said that the Will of Fire means protecting."
"Protecting the village, protecting our comrades, protecting those who need protection."
"I couldn't agree more."
His voice was calm, yet carried an unquestionable determination.
"All my life, I've been nothing more than a Genin."
"No talent, no Kekkei Genkai, no clan legacy."
"But I have my strength, and a heart that wants to protect Konoha."